[StBernard] Alleged stalker arrested after texting and following woman he wanted to date

[Westley Annis]

Alleged stalker arrested after texting and following woman he wanted to date
Print Benjamin Alexander-Bloch, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune By Benjamin
Alexander-Bloch, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune 

A Meraux man was arrested in St. Bernard Parish for allegedly stalking a
woman by sending her text messages and photos, and once following her. He
allegedly came into her place of work in late May, spoke with her, and has
been attempting to convince her to go with him on a date ever since,
according to the St. Bernard Sheriff's Office.

Christopher Cheairs, 49, was released on bond from St. Bernard Parish Prison
on Thursday. He had been booked July 27 with stalking the Violet woman. The
woman showed investigating officers numerous texts from Cheairs, Sheriff
Jimmy Pohlmann said.

When confronted by a deputy, Cheairs denied any stalking or harassment,
according to the Sheriff's Office.

According to state law, stalking "is the intentional and repeated following
or harassing of another person that would cause a reasonable person to feel
alarmed or to suffer emotional distress."

Harassing is defined by state law as "the repeated pattern of verbal
communications or nonverbal behavior without invitation which includes but
is not limited to making telephone calls, transmitting electronic mail,
sending messages via a third party, or sending letters or pictures."

The crime of stalking carries a 30-day to 1-year prison sentence and a fine
of between $5,000 and $100,000.

An individual convicted of stalking also must undergo a psychiatric
evaluation, according to state law. The sentence can be suspended if the
offender is placed on probation and participates in a court-approved
counseling program.